Cheat sheet · Special

Camera settings for candlelight

Keep the warmth: 2000–3000 K white balance, f/1.8, ISO 1600–6400.

Aperturef/1.4–f/2
Shutter1/60–1/125 s
ISO1600–6400
White balance2500–3200 KNot fully neutral
Quick start: Keep the warmth: 2000–3000 K white balance, f/1.8, ISO 1600–6400.

Starting exposures#

Typical scene brightness for this situation is around EV 3. Use these as a first test shot, then check the histogram.

ApertureISO 100ISO 400ISO 1600ISO 6400
f/1.41/4 s1/15 s1/60 s1/250 s
f/2.81 s1/4 s1/15 s1/60 s
f/5.64 s1 s1/4 s1/15 s
f/88 s2 s0.5 s1/8 s
f/1115 s4 s1 s1/4 s

Step by step#

  1. Bring the candle close to the face.
  2. Expose for highlights.
  3. Leave some warmth in WB.

Gear checklist#

  • Fast prime

Pro tips#

  • Several candles soften shadows.

Common mistakes#

  • Correcting to neutral white — loses mood.
Indoor portraits with window lightA large window is a giant softbox — turn the subject toward it and expose for the face.…

Frequently asked questions#

What are the best camera settings for candlelight?

Aperture: f/1.4–f/2 · Shutter: 1/60–1/125 s · ISO: 1600–6400. Keep the warmth: 2000–3000 K white balance, f/1.8, ISO 1600–6400.

What gear do I need for candlelight?

Fast prime.

Last updated October 03, 2026 · How we calculate · Sources